Deonte Banks Under Fire, But Giants Teammate Believes Redemption Is Coming
Deonte Banks had a rough 2024 season — and not just in coverage. The former first-round pick was criticized for inconsistent effort and some eyebrow-raising comments that called his commitment into question. But despite the scrutiny, one of his teammates is firmly in his corner.
That teammate? Cornerback Andru Phillips, whom Pro Football Focus recently named the Giants’ “most underrated” player.
According to PFF’s Jonathon Macri, Phillips proved his value in a big way during his rookie season. Thrust into a major role, the 2024 third-round pick held down the slot corner position and logged over 600 snaps on defense — a true trial by fire that he passed with poise.
While Banks stumbled, Phillips quietly rose — but he’s not giving up on his teammate. In a conversation with Brandon London of the New York Post, Phillips spoke glowingly about Banks’ offseason transformation.
“There’s a different Tae this year,” Phillips said. “He’s working, and he’s getting so much better in every aspect. He knows what’s on the table.”
Phillips defended Banks’ mindset amid last year’s backlash, saying the 24-year-old “took heat, but he never backed down.” According to Phillips, there was never a week when Banks gave up or refused to compete.
- Deonte Banks
That kind of fight is exactly what the Giants need to see if they’re going to continue trusting Banks as their top cornerback. If he falters again, they now have a strong fallback in Phillips — a rising talent who’s become a hidden gem on this defense.
Banks Still Has Plenty to Prove
After being selected 24th overall in 2023, Banks was expected to develop into a shutdown corner. Instead, he’s trending dangerously close to bust territory.
Last season, he admitted to lapses in effort and was publicly called out after being burned badly by CeeDee Lamb in a Week 4 loss to the Cowboys. Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports didn’t hold back, saying, “Banks might need a new place to play… You can’t have effort like this when the receiver is still running to the end zone.”
The numbers back up the criticism. According to Pro Football Reference, Banks allowed six touchdowns, gave up 12.5 yards per completion, and opposing quarterbacks posted a 124.2 passer rating when targeting him.
That kind of production — or lack thereof — is why the Giants were smart to invest in cornerback depth. And it’s already paying off in the form of Andru Phillips, who could soon push Banks for CB1 status if things don’t improve.
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